The Blind Swine Speakeasy Returns with “A Rhythm Migrates North”

PASSWORD ALERT: Come around to the south door and tell the bird at the door, “I want to take a ride on the Mississippi.”

The Western Illinois Museum invites you to experience the magic of the Jazz Age as its celebrated Blind Swine Speakeasy returns on Friday, August 23rd. Kicking off at 5:30 PM, this event, “A Rhythm Migrates North,” promises an evening steeped in history, culture, and toe-tapping music.

In this second installment of the series, the Museum’s historic venue will be transformed into an intimate speakeasy reminiscent of the Prohibition era. Immerse yourself in the rich sounds of the early twentieth century with performances by the Red Peppers Ragtime Ensemble, an eight-piece band that brings the era’s music to life. With two sets of music at 6:30 PM and 7:30 PM, the ensemble will transport you to the “cradle” of Ragtime music along the Mississippi River, where tunes by legends like Scott Joplin once dominated the airwaves. Prepare to be enchanted by both familiar melodies and newly discovered gems from the Prohibition era.

But the night offers more than just music. Dive into engaging activities that explore the migration of Black families to the Midwest and the role of musicians who journeyed up and down the Mississippi River, spreading the rhythm and culture of Ragtime. This immersive experience offers a unique lens into the cultural shifts that shaped America during the early 1900s.

Guests will enter the speakeasy through the back door—if they know the secret password, of course—and will be encouraged to “slip us a fin” (a suggested $5 donation) to support the band. Once inside, patrons can enjoy a (now legal) drink at the bar while soaking in the atmosphere of a bygone era.

Don’t miss this opportunity to travel back in time and celebrate the history, music, and culture that shaped our region. Join us for an unforgettable evening at the Western Illinois Museum’s Blind Swine Speakeasy.

About John Mindeman

John Mindeman is a versatile and accomplished musician, recognized for his exceptional work as a performer, teacher, arranger, and composer. Throughout his distinguished career, he has performed with some of the most prestigious ensembles, including the Chicago Lyric Opera, the Chicago Symphony, the Joffrey Ballet, the Chicago Sinfonietta, and the Millar Brass Ensemble. His international experience includes membership in the Orquesta Filarmónica de Santiago in Chile and the Sinfónica Nacional de Costa Rica.

For 23 years, John served as a Professor of Trombone and Euphonium at the Western Illinois University School of Music, shaping the next generation of musicians. He also spent a decade teaching at the Birch Creek Music Performance Center in Door County, Wisconsin, where he inspired countless students with his expertise and passion for music.

John’s talent extends beyond performance; his arrangements and compositions have been brought to life by renowned groups such as the New York Philharmonic Brass, the Millar Brass Ensemble, the Monarch Brass, the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, and the Quincy Symphony Orchestra. His extensive catalog of works and recordings is available at www.johnmindeman.com.

In 2017, John founded the Red Peppers Ragtime Ensemble to delve into the rich history of early 20th-century popular music, with a particular emphasis on the contributions of Black and female composers from the tri-state region. He resides in Macomb, Illinois, with his wife, Miriam, and daughter, Julia.

This program is funded in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the Illinois Humanities Council.

The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization dedicated to celebrating and nurturing the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County. As a vibrant community hub, the Museum features exhibits, an open collection area, lectures, music, and other programs in a historic building. The Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square, and is fully accessible.

A full schedule of events can be found at wimuseum.org. For further information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.

Themes and Musicians in the 2024 Blind Swine Series

• Friday, August 23rd: A Rhythm Migrates North with music by John Mindeman’s Red Peppers Ragtime Ensemble
• Friday, September 13th: Macomb Takes Flight! with music by Brazilian performers José Gobbo and Ana Oliveira
• Friday, September 27th: The Irish, Italians, and Bohunks: Immigration in the 1920s with music by the Irish band Turas
• Friday, October 11th: The New Macomb Woman: Work, Fitness, and Beauty Ideals of the 1920s with music by EmiSunshine
• Friday, October 25th: What’s Playing at the Illinois Theater? Radio & Film of the Prohibition Era with music by Gina DeGregorio and Paul Asaro